Manitowoc's Lester Ruzek, 91, spent more than three years in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp during World War II. He died Thursday and his funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday.

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With a fighting spirit and luck, Lester Ruzek was able to survive 31/21/2 horrific years as a Prisoner of War in Japanese work camps and prisons during World War II.

The Manitowoc native eventually was liberated by fellow Americans taking back the Philippines in January 1945. He came back to his hometown, married, raised a family, enjoyed work in the construction industry, recreational pursuits and, eventually, retirement.